NIGERIAN IMAMS KICKS AGAINST UNFAIR INEC, PARTY TIMES TABLE FOR ELECTIONS IN THE COUNTY
By YM Bina
Association of Nigerian Imam has kicked against unfair and unjust scheduling of INEC and political parties elections times table and other activities that usually concides with Islamic Religious Obligations called for restrain to ensure respect and dignity to every faith in the country
The Association on behalf of millions of Muslim faithful across Nigeria has expressed deep concern and a sincere commitment to preserving the unity, equity, religious harmony, and constitutional freedoms that define our nation.
The National Secretary of the Forum
Imam (Dr.) Umar Farooq Abdullahi in an official letter of complaint titled: Concern Over the Impact of Politics and Electoral Scheduling on Islamic Religious Obligations and Request for Institutional Consultation issued in Minna, Niger state.
The letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and lcopied the Minister for Interior, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Independent National Electoral Commission draws the attention of the Federal Government to the increasing challenges faced by Muslim citizens arising from the scheduling of political and electoral activities during periods of significant Islamic religious obligations.
It recognized the enormous responsibilities associated with national governance and electoral administration, we believe that greater sensitivity and consultation are necessary to ensure that citizens are not placed in situations where participation in public affairs conflicts with the fulfilment of important religious duties.
The Forum’s concern relates to the scheduling of political activities, particularly party primaries, conventions, and other critical political engagements, during periods that coincide with Hajj and Umrah obligations.
“The timing of the recently concluded political activities, particularly within major political parties, coincided with preparations for this year’s Hajj exercise and significantly affected the ability of many public officials, political office holders, aspirants, delegates, and other politically engaged citizens to undertake the pilgrimage”.
Another concern relates to the current electoral timetable and its potential impact on the observance of Ramadan ahead of the 2027 General Elections, hence Ramadan is a sacred month devoted to fasting, prayer, Qur’anic recitation, charity, reflection, self-discipline, and increased acts of worship that occupies a unique and central place in the spiritual life of Muslims.
As a nation committed to religious freedom and inclusiveness, Nigeria should strive to ensure that major national activities are scheduled in a manner that minimizes avoidable conflicts with periods of profound religious significance. Such sensitivity strengthens national cohesion and demonstrates equal respect for the beliefs and practices of all citizens.
According to him, ” Your Excellency, these concerns should not be viewed as isolated grievances. Rather, they reflect the need for a more structured and institutionalized framework for consultation between government institutions and faith-based organizations on matters of national scheduling that may have significant implications for religious observance”.
Imam Farooq Abdullahi stressed that addressing these concerns is not a matter of politics or preferential treatment; but a matter of fairness, inclusion, constitutional responsibility, and national unity.
He called for the establishment of Formal Consultation Mechanisms that require relevant government institutions, electoral bodies, and political parties to engage recognized religious stakeholders before fixing dates for elections, political primaries, conventions, and other major national activities that may conflict with significant religious obligations.
Also to Strengthen Coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and other relevant faith-based bodies in the planning of national activities that may affect Hajj and Umrah participation.
Encourage Political Parties to avoid, as much as practicable, scheduling compulsory conventions, primaries, delegate elections, and other critical political activities during the official Hajj season.
Promote Greater Sensitivity to Ramadan in national planning by ensuring that electoral and political activities are scheduled in a manner that minimizes unnecessary hardship for citizens observing the holy month.
Reaffirm Government’s Commitment to Religious Inclusion by publicly assuring all Nigerians that their religious obligations and constitutional rights will continue to receive due consideration in national decision-making processe.
The Association reassured to remain committed to promoting peace, national development, responsible citizenship, interfaith harmony, and constructive engagement with government at all levels. We trust that your Renewed Hope Administration will give these concerns the thoughtful consideration they deserve and take appropriate measures to strengthen confidence in the fairness and inclusiveness of our national institutions.
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